Portugal did well at the World Travel Awards

Portugal did very well at the 19th World Travel Awards, known as the ‘Oscars of the travel industry by the global media by travel agents worldwide. This is the most comprehensive, biggest, and most prestigious awards program in the travel industry worldwide.WTA was launched in 1993 to acknowledge and recognize excellence in the global travel and tourism industry. Now celebrating its 19th anniversary, it is regarded as the very highest achievement that a travel product could hope to receive. NOMINEES FROM the Algarve scooped three national awards and one European category win at the World Travel Awards in the UK on Tuesday. Hotels, spas, golf resorts, and a water park from the region were nominated in a total of six national categories and six European categories for the prestigious travel and tourism industry awards. At a national level, The Sheraton Algarve Hotel Pine Cliffs Resort won the Leading Golf Resort in the Portugal category. Portugal’s leading suite was won by Vila Joya for its suites 1001 and 2001, while Quinta da Bela Vista won Portugal’s Best Boutique Hotel. Pestana Palace in Lisbon took two awards at a national level for Best Conference Hotel and Best Hotel in Portugal. Best Resort was won by the Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf and Beach Resort, with Convento do Espinheiro beating all of the nominations from the Algarve to take the Best Spa in Portugal award.


Graham E. Cooke, President & Founder, WTA, underlined the depth and quality of the travel and tourism sector across Europe. He says: “During times of economic austerity world-class brands come into their own, and the winners at our Europe Ceremony represent the cream of the continent. These organizations will undoubtedly fare strongly in our Grand Final, which takes place in New Delhi, India on 12 December 2012.”He adds: “The ceremony has also served as a fitting spotlight for the Algarve, reflecting the vital role of tourism in the region and its overall contribution to the Portuguese economy. The Algarve is also one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, and the new Conrad Algarve has set a new precedent for luxury.”The luxury resort enjoys a prime location at Quinta do Lago, the home of world-class golf courses and beautiful beaches.